The Independent District Commission (IDC) recently released three draft map options for community input. Although the maps differ slightly, each proposed version splits Montavilla’s future City Council representation between two districts. Community members have until July 22nd to share their input ahead of a September deadline for district map adoption.
The three maps propose a majority of Montavilla associated with the predominately Southeast district, while a small 150-acre southeast corner of the neighborhood sits within the East Portland district. The dividing lines run along SE 82nd Avenue south of SE Mill Street with a slight bump north to SE Market Street one block west of Interstate 205. Although IDC commissioners attempted to respect existing neighborhood lines, they had many factors to consider when selecting these proposals, including population equity and mandating communities of common interest. The Commission’s work is necessary to transition to the new form of city government coming to Portland in 2025.
In November 2022, voters approved amendments to the City Charter (Measure 26-288) to create four voting districts for a new 12-person City Council. Residents in the new districts will elect three city councilors through a ranked-choice voting system, also approved by the City Charter amendments. The IDC is a group of 13 community members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council in January 2023. They were selected through a citywide application process and tasked with finding an equitable division in the city that fairly balances the population while respecting existing community boundaries.
IDC public engagement began earlier this year, generating more than 197 map concepts and 136 public comments. That work led the commissioners to present three options in the Draft District Plan for residents to endorse or critique. People can call 3-1-1 to share comments verbally, email comments to the IDC, or attend one of eight public hearings. Participants without online access can send comments via letter to the Office of Management and Finance, Independent District Commission, at 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Room 901, Portland, OR 97204.
Public hearing dates
- Wednesday, July 5th from 6-8 p.m.
- Thursday, July 6th from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, July 8th from 12-2 p.m.
- Sunday, July 9th from 1-3 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 12th from 6-8 p.m.
- Thursday, July 13th from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, July 15th from 12-2 p.m.
- Sunday, July 16th from 1-3 p.m.
At this point, the IDC is unlikely to adjust map lines in a way that will move the neighborhood into a single voting district. However, Montavilla residents are accustomed to division on many levels. East Portland begins at 82nd Avenue, encompassing half the community, and it straddles the Northeast-Southeast sextant lines. Pacific Power serves electricity to buildings north of SE Stark Street, while PGE powers those south of that dividing line. Similarly, residents in Montavilla have different Oregon State Representatives based on what side of SE Stark Street they live on.
The four new city districts have the potential to shift community groupings to meet the new boundaries. Some split communities anticipate a benefit in having six City Council members to work with. However, a person’s home address clearly defines that individual’s vote, and residents can only cast a ballot for the three open council seats in their prescribed district. That electoral segmentation could shift political alignments and priorities experienced in the neighborhood depending on what section someone lives in. As this new form of city government takes shape, Montavilla will have first-hand experience with divided representation and whatever challenges that may create.
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